Videos

Nano, the Next Dimension (Nanotechnology BBC Documentary)

Super Hydrophobic Surface and Magnetic Liquid - The Slow Mo Guys

Gav and Dan are in the GE lab using nanotechnology to show you cool liquid physics at 2500fps.
The first experiment shows a superhydrophobic surface that GE has been working on. Surfaces like this can be useful in aviation and wind power to reduce ice build-up or for self-cleaning applications. The surface traps a layer of air using its nanoscopic structure, which prevents water from sticking.
The second experiment also demonstrates how the nanoscale differs from the macroscale, this time with iron filings. Iron filings at the macroscale can be easily distinguished from the liquid they are in. When reduced to the nanoscale, magnetic nanoparticles can behave like a liquid magnet. Gav and Dan demonstrate this by showing magnetic liquid flowing upwards against gravity towards a magnet.

Nanoscience in Elementary Schools

Troy Dassler teaches at Aldo Leopold Elementary in Madison, WI. He also works in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Madison to bring nanoscale science to elementary-aged children through funding from the National Science Foundation. In his talk, Troy breaks down his methods of teaching this specific discipline of science of the very small and shares the impressive discoveries his students have made.